The Kekule structure of benzene failed to explain
- A. the molecular formula C6H6
- B. the ring shape of the molecule
- C. why benzene resists addition reactions and has all its carbon to carbon bonds of equal length
- D. why benzene contains only carbon and hydrogen
Explanation
Alternating single and double bonds would predict two different bond lengths and the ready addition reactions of an alkene, but experiment shows a single intermediate bond length of 0.139 nm and a strong preference for substitution. The modern picture replaces the alternating bonds with a delocalised ring of six pi electrons above and below the plane. That delocalisation is what makes benzene unusually stable.
Related questions
Benzene undergoes electrophilic substitution rather than addition because substitution
The nitration of benzene is carried out using
Benzene is described as aromatic because it
Which one of the following is not a characteristic of benzene?
Chlorination of benzene in the presence of iron (III) chloride involves mechanism of: